Nuno Espirito Santo has made a powerful statement about West Ham talent Soungoutou Magassa following what many saw as a harsh snub.
There have been many mysteries to unravel at West Ham in recent years and one of the latest revolves around summer signing Soungoutou Magassa.
Tens of millions of pounds have been squandered by the Hammers in the transfer market over the last few windows.
West Ham have lurched from agent-led scattergun recruitment to appointing a technical director to oversee signings and then back again.
So is it any wonder Nuno Espirito Santo finds himself lumbered with an unbalanced squad lacking in depth in key areas.
West Ham fans left puzzled by Nuno’s Magassa snubs
Not all the acquisitions have been terrible, though.
Mateus Fernandes is already looking a snip at £40m. Southampton wanted £60m plus for the Portuguese when West Ham first enquired and now everyone is seeing why.
The Hammers signed Magassa at the same time in a £17m deal from Monaco and fans were seriously impressed by the Frenchman’s initial cameos.
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But fans have been left puzzled by Nuno’s decision to rather harshly drop Magassa of late.
The France Under 21 star was one of West Ham’s better players throughout encouraging performances at Everton and Arsenal as he started Nuno’s first two games in charge.
Soungoutou Magassa warms up for West Ham ahead of a Premier League clash with Everton
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
The defensive midfielder was dropped for damaging defeats to Brentford and Leeds, though, much to the bemusement of most supporters.
Fans have been calling for Magassa to be reinstated but Nuno has settled on a midfield three of Fernandes, Freddie Potts and Lucas Paqueta in back-to-back wins over Newcastle and Burnley.
That had many believing Magassa may not be rated by the new head coach, despite the fact Nottingham Forest were rivalling the Hammers for his signature when Nuno was in charge at the City Ground over the summer.
However, when Potts went off injured against Burnley, Magassa came on at a crucial stage of the game.
Now Nuno has made a big statement about Magassa’s future at West Ham.
The Hammers boss’s comments make it clear just how highly he rates the young midfielder despite his recent omissions.
Freddie Potts comes on for Soungoutou Magassa in West Ham's 1-1 draw at Everton
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
“The midfielders work hard and they are complementing each other,” Nuno told BBC Sport.
“Tomas came in, Magassa came in, I think in the middle of the park we have a lot of good options and all the boys are doing really well.
“Arriving to the Premier League for any player is really difficult to adapt, to show all these things, it takes time,” Nuno said when asked if Magassa needs to be drip-fed into English football as he adjusts.
“We have a lot of situations like that (of Magassa) with players who we need to be patient with but at the same time to recognise their quality and talent is there for us to exploit.”
In his post-match press conference, Nuno then doubled down on his thoughts about Magassa, saying he will be an important player for West Ham.
Nuno says Magassa is an important player for West Ham
“We have a lot of good options and the boys are doing well,” Nuno added.
“Magassa had fresh legs, his energy helped the team in the middle of the park.
“It is about trying to find the combinations we need.”
This is just what Hammers fans – and no doubt Magassa himself – want to hear.
Hammers News understands Magassa has seriously impressed not only Nuno and the coaching staff but his West Ham teammates in training of late.
His cameo against Burnley was excellent and suggests he is getting up to full speed with the pace of the Premier League.
Magassa could turn out to be a real gem of a signing for the Irons. Especially at just £17m.
Identified by leading scout Max Hahn, the tall, powerful star can also play at centre-back.
But it is central midfield where Nuno clearly believes he can be a difference maker for the long-term in east London.